Let’s face it, there are many fans attending the Waste Management Phoenix Open who don’t pay much attention to golf rules. But for those who do, there are some significant changes they might notice for the 2019 event.

In an effort by golf’s governing bodies to streamline and modernize the Rules of Golf, there are now 24 rules instead of 34.

Perhaps the most significant, even to the casual golfer and golf fan, was a change that now allows players to leave the flagstick in the hole whenever they are putting, although they are allowed to take it out if they wish.

Bryson DeChambeau putts with the flag stick in on the 16th hole during the third round of the 2019 Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club.(Photo11: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Bryson DeChambeau, who some consider the “mad scientist” of putting on the PGA Tour, was among the first to state publicly that he would leave the pin in place on many putts, and plenty of tour pros have followed suit. Adam Scott has stated that he plans to keep the pin in on all of his putts.

“That change really surprised me and it surprised me even more that we are doing it at the PGA Tour level,” Phoenix Open defending champion Gary Woodland said.

“At first, I didn’t think many guys would, but when Bryson came out and said he would be leaving the pin in on a lot of putts, it sort of changed things. I guarantee you he has done more homework on it than anybody, and if he’s doing it, more guys are going to take notice.”

Several other changes also might catch fans by surprise during this year’s event. Here is a “front nine” of new rules fans are most likely to notice:

The pin is in: Short-game guru Dave Pelz is among those who claimed, after doing extensive research, that players have a better chance statistically of holing putts or stopping a ball near the hole if the pin is left in place. Tour pros seem to agree and are taking advantage. DeChambeau has said it “essentially makes the hole bigger.”

Making repairs: Golfers are now allowed to repair virtually all imperfections on the green, such as spike marks, as long as they don’t alter their putting line. In the past, they could only repair ball marks.

Marking the spot: It won’t happen often, but caddies are now allowed to mark and lift a ball on the putting surface. Before, only the golfer could do so.

In the bunkers

Grooming habits: Golfers now are allowed to remove loose impediments, such as stones, leaves or twigs, in bunkers without penalty.

Chris Kirk hits out of a sand trap on the 7th hole during the second round of the 2019 Sony Open in Hawaii golf tournament at Waialae Country Club.(Photo11: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Grounding OK: Grounding a club in a bunker or touching the sand with a hand no longer is a penalty, unless the player does so right next to his ball or in a manner that tests the consistency of the sand.

Drop options: On an unplayable lie in a bunker, such as a plugged ball, the player still can take a drop in the bunker under the older rule with a one-shot penalty. Now, they also can drop the ball outside the bunker with a two-shot penalty.

Around the course

Shorter search: TPC Scottsdale isn’t a course that features a lot of extensive searches for lost balls, but if that happens, golfers now have just three minutes to do so, instead of five. Also, if they happen to step on or accidentally move the ball, there is no penalty. They simply need to replace it as near as possible to its previous location.

Rory McIlroy takes a drop after losing his ball in the rough on the 4th hole during the second round of the 2019 Sentry Tournament of Champions at Kapalua.(Photo11: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports)

Take a knee: When a golfer needs to take a drop, he must do so from knee height instead of shoulder height, which was the old rule. Dropping from a height above the knee is not allowed.

More touchy: In a penalty area, which includes water hazards, it no longer is a penalty if the player touches the surface with his club before taking his swing. And, as is the case with bunkers, loose impediments can be removed as long as it doesn’t improve conditions for the stroke.